Rental homes in Aa en Hunze
Looking for a rental property in Aa en Hunze? Check the current listings, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews per village.
Renting in Aa en Hunze: an honest picture of the rental market
Aa en Hunze is a vast rural municipality in the east of Drenthe, consisting of dozens of villages, each with its own character. Of the more than 11,400 homes in the municipality, only 25% are rental properties. The majority of these (about 20% of the total) are owned by housing association Actium, meaning the private sector is small here. In the past year, only 24 homes were rented out in the private sector, at an average rent of €1,233 per month. The range runs from €374 to €2,000, but expect that for an average family home of 167 m² you'll quickly be around that average. Want to know what's currently available? Check the current overview at the top of this page.
That limited supply in the private sector is something to bear in mind. The municipality has a strong owner-occupied character: 75% of homes are owner-occupied, with an average WOZ value of €343,000. Many residents have lived here for a long time and don't move often. The labour market is focused on Assen (a 15-minute drive away) and, to a lesser extent, Groningen. Without a car, you'll struggle here, as public transport is limited to bus routes. This is also reflected in the accessibility score: residents give it a 7.5. But once people live here, they particularly appreciate the peace and greenery, which scores the highest neighbourhood score at 8.8.
Villages in Aa en Hunze: where is the best place to rent?
Aa en Hunze does not consist of neighbourhoods in the urban sense, but a patchwork of Drenthe villages. Each village has its own atmosphere, and the differences are greater than you might expect. Below are the main options for renters.
Ekehaar, the quietest corner of Drenthe
Ekehaar is a small village that receives the highest score from residents: an 8.5 out of 10. It's truly quiet here. No supermarket, no hustle and bustle, but a close-knit village life and views over the Drenthe fields. This is a village for people who consciously choose space and distance from the city. Rental homes rarely become available here, so if something comes up, you need to be quick.
Annen, the largest village with the most amenities
The village of Annen scores an 8.0 from residents and is one of the most logical choices for renters. Annen has its own supermarket, primary schools, sports clubs and a good bus connection to Assen and Groningen. The village is close to the A28, making it attractive for commuters. You'll find a mix of families and older residents. One resident describes the area as green and quiet, with sufficient amenities for daily life.
Gieten, the administrative heart
Gieten is the main town of the municipality and therefore has slightly more amenities than most other villages: a town hall, shops on the Brink, GPs and secondary education via the Harens Lyceum (branch). With a neighbourhood score of 6.9, Gieten scores lower than Ekehaar and Annen. Reviews show that residents rate the amenities as mediocre (6.8 for amenities). That's fair: for larger shopping trips or a night out, you'll need to go to Assen or Groningen.
In addition to these three villages, there are more options to explore. Gasselternijveen is a lively peat village with an active club life. Gasselte is beautifully situated on the edge of the Gasselterveld and attracts people who enjoy walking and nature. And Eext is known for its dolmens and the annual horse market, a true Drenthe village. For a complete overview of all ratings, you can visit the municipality page of Aa en Hunze, where residents share their experiences.
What stands out in the resident figures: the municipality scores high on greenery (8.8), beauty (8.0) and education (8.3), but lower on amenities (6.8) and sense of community (7.0). The latter is striking for a rural municipality, but may be due to the fact that newcomers sometimes need time to get used to the reserved Drenthe culture. Give it time.
Who is a rental home in Aa en Hunze suitable for?
Renting a home in Aa en Hunze is best suited for people who consciously choose the countryside. Think of homeworkers seeking space and quiet, retirees moving from the Randstad, or families wanting to raise their children in a green environment. The average age is high (the largest group is 45 to 65 years old) and almost half of households have no children. This is not a place for those seeking a bustling city life or relying on public transport.
Practically speaking: register with housing association Actium via the municipality of Aa en Hunze if you want to qualify for social housing. The waiting lists are long, so start early. For the private sector: supply is scarce, so prepare your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID) and respond on the same day. Renting an apartment in Aa en Hunze is hardly possible; the supply mainly consists of single-family homes and former farmhouses. Prefer to buy? Then check out the homes for sale in Aa en Hunze, because with 75% owner-occupied homes, the supply there is much larger.
Viewing the rental supply in Aa en Hunze and surroundings
On Buurtje.nl you'll find the current rental supply combined with neighbourhood scores and resident reviews, so you don't just choose a home but also an environment that suits you. Is the supply in Aa en Hunze too limited? Then also look at rental homes in the city of Assen, the supply in Borger-Odoorn or homes in Emmen. More about the entire province of Drenthe can be found on the province page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Aa en Hunze?
In the free sector, the average rent in Aa en Hunze is €1,233 per month, based on 24 rented homes in the past year. The range runs from €374 to €2,000. The average home is 167 m² in size. Social housing through housing association Actium is cheaper, but has long waiting lists.
Which villages in Aa en Hunze are most popular for renting?
Ekehaar scores highest among residents with an 8.5 out of 10, followed by Annen with an 8.0. Gieten scores a 6.9 but has the most amenities. Annen is often the best option for renters due to the combination of accessibility and village character.
How quickly are rental homes in Aa en Hunze rented out?
Supply in the free sector is very limited: in a whole year, only 24 homes have been rented out. This means a rental home here is often gone within a few days. Prepare your documents in advance and respond immediately when something becomes available.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Aa en Hunze?
About 20% of all homes in Aa en Hunze are social housing through housing association Actium, with rents below the liberalisation threshold. The free sector (about 5% of the stock) has no income limit but is more expensive, averaging €1,233 per month. For social housing, you must register separately with the housing association.
Can I rent an apartment in Aa en Hunze?
The supply of apartments is very limited. Aa en Hunze is a rural municipality where most rental supply consists of single-family homes, detached houses, and sometimes former farms. If you are specifically looking for an apartment, you have a better chance in the city of Assen.
Is Aa en Hunze suitable for renting without a car?
Honestly, that is difficult. Public transport is limited to a few bus lines and accessibility scores a 7.5 among residents. For work, larger shopping trips, and going out, you are dependent on Assen or Groningen. Without a car, renting a home in Aa en Hunze is not recommended.
How green and safe is living in Aa en Hunze?
Residents give the municipality an 8.8 for green spaces and a 7.5 for safety. The surroundings consist of forests, heathlands, and stream valleys. It is one of the greenest municipalities in Drenthe. Safety is good, partly due to the village character with little anonymity.
Are there good schools nearby if I rent a home in Aa en Hunze?
Education scores an 8.3 among residents. Most villages have their own primary school. For secondary education, there are limited options in Gieten. For a wider range of secondary schools, students commute to Assen or Groningen.
Nice quiet neighbourhood. Clean and well-maintained. All amenities within cycling distance such as shops and schools.
Auto-translated to English by AII think safety in Gieten is very poor, many young people are very antisocial. I don't dare go out alone (as a girl) in the evening/night. The community is unsociable, arguments break out quickly and the youngsters are terribly antisocial. There are hardly any facilities, there is nothing for young people to do. There are a few shops and 1 snack bar & 2 pizzerias. Accessibility is fine in itself, you can easily get to public transport by bus. By car it's even easier. Education is very extensive for 1 village. There are 2 primary schools, 2 childcare centres and 1 secondary school.
Auto-translated to English by AIContact with immediate neighbours is good. You can always ask for help or to borrow a lawnmower, for example. There is social control, but not in an annoying way. More like extra eyes on the lookout, which does give a sense of safety. The village has sufficient amenities and nearby Zuidlaren has many shops, such as a chemist and a butcher. The bus connection to Groningen is great, every half hour. Secondary schools are a bit more difficult in terms of transport if you don't want to go to Gieten or Assen. People in the village are friendly, but I notice it's hard to really integrate without children.
Auto-translated to English by AISuper cosy neighbourhood with neighbourhood watch (WhatsApp group), friendly neighbours and a nice atmosphere together.
Auto-translated to English by AI
